Drafting and Design. What’s the difference?

Picture a yellow duck with green boots, crossing the street. 

What you have in mind will vary slightly from someone else’s vision. Is the duck smiling? Is it raining? Maybe the duck has lime green boots in your mind and forest green boots in someone else’s. Those varieties define the ‘’Design’’ part of the image. 

Hiring a professional designer will ensure that what you have in your mind is translated to the architectural drawings. Consultations and communication between the client and the designer are crucial. It is important for clients to provide as much information on their ‘’ wish list’’ as possible. Less isn’t more in this instance. 

It’s better to give the designer all of your ideas than to hold back. The designer will work with you to refine them into a cohesive image you’re happy with. 

Preliminary Drawing. 

Combining the ideas provided by the client and the experience of the designer, a preliminary drawing is created. This gives the client the opportunity to visualize the design and apply changes. It also gives the designer the opportunity to explain why certain design aspects were incorporated, which ideas were used and what technical aspects were added. The final set of drawings are based off of the revisions brought forward. 

Drafting. 

It’s one thing to have a pretty picture. It’s another to have the technical aspect to support it. The ‘’Drafting’’ portion of the work includes the ‘’bones’’ of the structure. The construction assemblies that hold up the roof, the insulation that keeps us warm, etc. Essentially, all of the important stuff that gets hidden once the renovation / new build is complete. 

They don’t always get along. 

A proper architectural set of drawings requires both drafting for the structure and the design for the function / aesthetics. They must work together. 

I’ve said the following to many clients; ‘’Everything is doable. It just depends how much you are willing to spend and what your timeline is.’’ 

Sometimes, a great design idea doesn’t translate to the easiest method of construction. The design may have to include a lot of engineering or ‘’out of the box’’ thinking that costs more money and time. In these instances, a design alternative may be used. A compromise so to speak, to stay within budget but still provide a similar look and feel.

We Do Both. 

You guessed it. Like our name reads, at ‘’Lacas Drafting and Design’’, we do both. We consult with you to obtain your thoughts and wishes. Then, we refine them into a design that flows and can be executed. Ontario Building Code requirements are added to the plans and we present you with the preliminary drawings. 

We are strong on communication and customer satisfaction. We work hard to ensure clients are happy with the end result. Providing education to clients in regards to why certain aspects were integrated/ required in the drawings is another important step we take. We are always thankful for the projects clients in trust in us and work hard to please. 

 Let’s get started!